The effect of mechanical aeration depending on the tine type
was studied on a sandy soil of Tunisian golf green. Aeration
was performed using an aerator Verti-drain of 1.6 m of
width, at a perforation density of 250 holes/m2. Two types
of tines were used, hollow tines with outer and inner
diameters of 12 and 10 mm respectively, and full tines with
a diameter of 8 mm. Measurements focused on soil resistance
to penetration and its bulk density. They were performed at
initial state (E0) and 6, 21, 40 and 53 days after aeration.
Results showed that mechanical aeration as it was practiced
progressively improved grassy soil structure by reducing its
resistance to penetration and bulk density compared to
initial state, especially with hollow tines perforation.
However, this situation lasts only about ten days to see
again the soil compaction. Indeed, measurements 6, 21 and 40
days after aeration, showed a continuous lowering of soil
parameters and the optimum was recorded at 40 days. However,
from 53 days after aeration, soil started to return to its
initial state.